Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

This can be a building which is:

  • Occupied by more than one household and where more than one household shares - or lacks - an amenity such as a bathroom, toilet or cooking facility.
  • Occupied by more than one household and which is a converted building - but not entirely self-contained flats (Whether or not some amenities are shared or lacking).
  • Converted self-contained flats that do not meet, as a minimum standard, the requirements of the 1991 Building Regulation, and at least one third of the flats are occupied under short tenancies.

These can provide an important supply of housing, often to vulnerable or disadvantaged households.  HMO's are buildings or part of a building, such as a flat,  where people share a kitchen, bathroom or cooking facility.

What is a household?

Household means that if individuals are not of the same family, either by blood, marriage or some other recognised means (such as fostering or adoption) they will be classed as separate households. 

For example, four individuals living together in a house who are not related would be deemed to constitute four households.

Maintaining safety

The Private Sector Housing Team responds to complaints from tenants in HMO's and ensures that fire safety, amenity and general public health standards are put in place.  The Government requires Council's to enforce fire safety in all houses in multiple occupation.  We work in close co-operation with any landlord willing to work with us in achieving the appropriate standards.

We would like to hear from landlords who wish to discuss the above and are willing to work with us towards achieving not only the appropriate standards but high standards of accommodation.